SATG-Presentation on Grain Storage (1)

8/12/2019 SATG-Presentation on Grain Storage (1)

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(SATG) Somali Agriculture

Technical Group

INTRODUCTION AND

IMPROVEMENT OF POST-

HARVEST AND GRAIN STORAGESYSTEMS IN THE BAY REGION-

SOMALIA

Presented at the Regional Workshop on DrylandFarming Practices in Emergency and Post-

Emergency Context

October 6-7, 08

Nairobi, Kenya

HUSSEIN HAJI


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(SATG) Somali AgricultureTechnical Group

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Post-harvest losses

Grain storage systems

Experiences and lessons learned from otherregions within the country using improvedstorage system

A proposed plan for improving post-harvestand storage losses in the in the Bay Region


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Introduction

Sorghum is the majorcrop

Production is low due

to to: Moisture stress

Lack of inputs

Pre-harvestconstraints

Post-harvest andstorage limitations


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Post-harvest Losses

Post-harvest and storage grain losses areestimated as 20-30% of the total production.

In Southern Somalia, this translates to economic

losses ranging between 50,000 and 80,000tones per year

corresponding to an estimated value of US$ 15and 25 million, respectively.

These losses are mainly due to lack of properhandling of the crop soon after harvest and theuse of the traditional storage structures


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Grain Storage systems

I- traditional

Underground pitsmost commonly used

II- Others Sacks

Drums (metal andplastic)

bags


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Tradition Storage system

Factors contributing to grain storage lossesin underground pits:

Temperature

Humidity

Higher temperature and higher humidity provide

optimum conditions for disease developmentand spread


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Problems

Migration of moisturefrom the surrounding soilwalls

Exposed to heavy rainsand floods

Development of fungi andinsects

Conducive conditions forrodents

Multiplication of fungicalled Aspergillusdeadly to humans


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Grain discoloration

Loss of grain quantity and quality traits


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Post-emergency study conducted in the BayRegion by GTZ indicate that in all testedpits, moisture and temperature were

conducive for fungal development,therefore, grains had potential aflatoxinscontamination


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How to improve the traditional system?

1. Improving post-harvest practices

2. Improving the storage system


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I. Improving post-harvest practices

Moulded and damaged grain should beseparated

Improved sun drying

Rapid collection in case of excessive rain

Transportation (grain damage and spelling)

Packing, loading and handling


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II. Improving thetraditional system

Coating pit wall with

maize/sorghum sticksor plastic sheets

Digging drainagesystem around the pits

Establishment of pitsin elevated position


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Experience and lessons learned

Storage in drums and plastic containers

Gaining popularity in parts of southern Somaliaand Somaliland)

Inaccessible to rodents, efficient against insectsand sealed against entry of water

Grain conserve their market quality and value forup to 5 years

Significant reduction in post-harvest losses In 2007, 78% of the beneficiary farmers in

Somaliland were found utilizing the new drumsystem


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Experience and lessons learned

Disadvantages:

Limited capacity(max. 200 kg)

In high agriculturepotential areas likethe Bay region, biggerstorage capacity willbe required


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Household metal silos

Proposed storagetechnology for the BayRegion

Similar in concept to the

drum storage Has been tested in many

countries withmeasurable success

It has helped manyAfrican countries reducestorage losses

It can be built locally withdifferent sizes of storage

capacity


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Its simple, efficient

and can store grainfor longer period of

time without alteringgrain quality

Will farmers to storegrain and sell product

when the market priceis high


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Target groups

The farmers within the project area

artisans/craftsmen

Somali agriculture professionals andtechnicians involved in the implementation ofthe action


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The process:

Train master trainers on silos construction

Train artigans from different villages

Organize field tours and demonstrations

Train farmers on proper use of the silos

Establishment of artigan centres

Promotion of the new technology throughavailable media outlets


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Summary

Improvement of pos-harvest and storagefacilities are cost effective and contribute to foodsecurity

Improved storage will allow a continues supplyof food throughout the year either for domesticconsumption or for trade

It will provide a reserve for contingencies such

as drought Allow the farmers to sell at a time when prices

are favorable

Will reduce the exposure to aflatoxins


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THANK YOU

Documents

SATG-Presentation on Grain Storage (1)